If we look at today’s fast-paced society, we expect to “recover” as fast as possible.
In the Netherlands, you are expected to go back to work after 16 weeks. This time is usually spread over the month before giving birth and the recovery of birth. Sadly there often is a social/financial pressure that accompanies this period of recovery.
Yet what is often forgotten is that how a woman recovers/heals from birth sets the precedent for the future.
Often I encountered women later in life with burn-out symptoms or signs of depression. Time for healing, social support and recovery could have prevented this setback later in life.
The Magical 40 days; In Ayurveda “The science of Life” it is recommended the mother and baby rest and avoid coming in contact with external energies that may influence the well being and health of mother and baby.
During the recovery of my c-section with my daughter, my mother-in-law came over to help me with the householder duties.
Family and friends were invited to come after this period, this is not usual within the Dutch culture. Here it is common to receive guests the first weeks after birth. Giving myself these 40 days offered me time to deal with my emotions, hormones and become in sync with my babies needs. I look back to this period where I embraced the feeling of cocooning and togetherness with love.
So if you are a householder who is expected to start work after 16 weeks.
I invite you to welcome the present moment. That is where healing and recovery start. Release what happens after the 40 days, and remove yourself from the fast-paced society.
If you and your baby need longer, ask for help.
Look into possibilities with your partner and take time together. The rules recently changed in the Netherlands for Fathers. As a father, you can request one week of paid birth leave. And extend this an extra five weeks where you will be paid 70% of your wages.
https://www.oppasland.nl/blog/wat-je-moet-weten-over-vaderschapsverlof-2021
This offers space for you as a family and the possibility to slow down.
Embrace healing by taking it slow in this fast-paced society. Go with your personal and babies flow.
Let this be your health and wellness prevention for your future.
Would you like personal guidance during this beautiful phase of life or to connect with like-minded individuals.
Contact me or join one of the Postnatal Yoga Specials hosted monthly at LadiesFIT in Almere.
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